Gear

The Essential Gear Guide: Equip Yourself for Fly Fishing Success

Chasing the Big Ones: A Saltwater Fly Fishing Odyssey

Nice stocked Rainbow

Was throwing lures all morning with no follows or hits. Tried something a bit unconventional and was able to hook into this one with two trout worms wacky rigged on a trout magnet jig under a bobber. Close to 15 inches.

First time fly fishing in the salt

Just came back from La Paz BCS. Hired a guide in Ensenada de Muertos for some fishing. We trolled lures for a few hours then Capt said change of plan and we hit the beach inside the lighthouse. He threw live sardines to get them frenzied and I cast into the fray, tuck the rod under my arm and two hand retrieve fast.

Saltwater bug

Got my birthday present a little early. Headed out to the beach today. Make no mistake, I am as newbie as they come but I just couldn’t stay out of the water. 9ft rod, 9line, rio saltwater leader…just used the chartreuse fly today. Looked like a fool for the first 30 mins, but got to feeling it after that. Had one hit and miss but that feeling.

3 Classic Flies For New Tyers

By Bob Reece Three points of contact provide stability. There are a plethora of patterns that new tiers could begin with. Yet three in particular lay out the fundamental techniques needed to create a stabile foundation for your fly tying future. The Woolly Bugger, Pheasant Tail and Elk Hair Caddis have all proven their worth.

Keep Your Hands on the Cork

Like so many others out there, I've broken my fair share of fly rods over the years. I've slammed them in tailgates, stuck them in ceiling fans and I've squashed quite a few trying to get in and out of my cataraft to quickly.

Is the New Orvis Recon the Best Rod for the Money? Our Thoughts

Orvis just announced the newest addition to its fly rod lineup, the redesigned Recon series. Since the release of the first Recon back in 2015, this rod has developed a huge following as a mid-priced, performance-driven fly rod.

Flies That Catch Big Trout, The Truth Might Surprise You

I HAVE DEFINITE IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO CATCH BIG TROUT. APPARENTLY THEY ARE ALL WRONG. Like every other guy or gal with a fly rod, I have some pretty strong opinions about the kind of flies that catch big fish. These opinions are based on years of experience and experimentation.

Rubber, Above & Below

By Bob Reece Round rubber and spandex are two members in the vast tide of synthetic materials that have washed over the fly tying world in recent years. They have both been used to create numerous surface and subsurface patterns. However, I would argue that one is better suited for the world above while the other thrives below.

The Drift: Do We Care Too Much About Fly Rods?

Last week, I wrote about my close encounter with a highly-collectible rod, the Winston 8’6″ 4-weight BIIt, nicknamed “The Staff of Moses.” I’m still kicking myself for not buying it (despite the $800+ price tag), but hopefully when the next one comes along, I’ll have some extra cash laying around.

Sage Unveils Limited Edition Enforcer Grand Slam Reels: A Collector’s Dream for Flats Anglers

The three-model collection pays tribute to the legendary saltwater "Grand Slam"—the rare feat of landing a bonefish, permit, and tarpon in a single day.

What Current Fly Rods Will Be Collectibles In 20 Years?

Some fly rods end up as more than just another entry in that year’s product catalog. A select few gain a cult following, often retaining their value (and exceeding their original retail price) as the years march on.

How to get started in trout Spey with Pete Kutzer

Any kind of two-handed fishing is confusing for those of us who mostly fish with a single-handed rod. I asked the great Pete Kutzer...